By John Rossiter

San Antonio, Texas — The Truett McConnell University Bears clay target team delivered an impressive showing at the 2026 ACUI/SCTP Collegiate Clay Target Championships, held March 15–21 at the National Shooting Complex, with standout performances in multiple disciplines that highlighted the program's growing strength in collegiate clay sports.

The week-long event attracted competitors from 53 universities nationwide, featuring intense competition in American Trap, Doubles Trap, Skeet, Sporting Clays, and Super Sporting amid gusting winds and high-stakes pressure.

The Bears' clay team, known for its focus on precision and teamwork, celebrated three medal-worthy finishes. Junior Ethan Ledford from McDonough, Ga., led the charge in Doubles American Trap, firing a near-perfect 99 out of 100 targets to claim first place in the A Class and advance to a dramatic shoot-off where he ultimately secured national runner-up honors in the event.

The team shared the excitement on Instagram: "What a day for your Truett McConnell bears!! Ethan Ledford shot a 99 in double trap, winning the A class and will be competing in a shoot off tomorrow for second in the nation!" A follow-up post added: "Great week for the bears at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio Texas. We left with 3 medals Ethan Ledford first in A class double trap and second in the nation with a 99."

Ledford's performance was complemented by strong contributions from teammates. Kyle Landrum earned first place in C Class Trap with a score of 96, while Michael Bowen took second in B Class Skeet with 96. These results underscored the Bears' collective effort and depth across clay disciplines, with multiple shooters posting competitive scores throughout the challenging week.

Ledford, one of the program's most accomplished athletes, continues to build on a remarkable career. As the youngest inductee into the Georgia Trapshooting Hall of Fame in 2025, he has swept the 2025 major titles at the Georgia State Trap Shoot and earned prior podium finishes at ACUI nationals, including runner-up in Trap Singles and third in Trap Doubles in 2024.

The Truett McConnell clay team’s success at the National Shooting Complex reinforces the program's commitment to excellence in shotgun sports, blending athletic achievement with the university's values of perseverance and faith-based competition.

Fans can follow the Bears' ongoing progress and future events through the official TMU athletics website (tmbears.com) and the ACUI Clay Targets page (acuiclays.org). Full event results are available via the SCTP SHOT System portal.

For the Bears clay team, the 2026 championships proved once again that precision, teamwork, and determination can break through on the national stage—one clay target at a time.